The New York Yankees enter the 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose. General Manager Brian Cashman has built a stronger and more balanced roster than in recent years. As Spring Training comes to a close, Yankees fans optimism could be higher, and there’s a good reason why. Last year’s World Series was disastrous from beginning to end. Major change was needed, and that was obvious from the moment the season ended. From offseason acquisitions to young talent stepping up, the pieces are coming together for a legitimate championship push.
Why Yankee Fans Should be Excited for 2025
One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the front office’s aggressive approach to improving the roster. The Yankees made several key additions to bolster both the lineup and the pitching staff. Their biggest move? Acquiring Max Fried. He will likely step into the ace role with Gerrit Cole now sidelined for the season. The Yankees will also be without reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil to start the season. As he recovers from a lat strain, Fried’s presence is even more critical. Behind him, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Marcus Stroman look eager and ready to contribute. They will play a crucial role in keeping the back end of the rotation solid. With their mix of experience and upside, the Yankees have the depth needed to handle the grind of a long season.
Why This Yankees Team Feels Different
The Yankees stayed aggressive this offseason when it came to improving their lineup. They focused on addressing key weaknesses like making the offense more well-rounded and strengthening their defense. The addition of veteran sluggers Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt brings consistent production at the plate while also significantly improving the team’s defense. In 2024, Bellinger posted a .266 batting average with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs, while Goldschmidt contributed a .245 average, 22 home runs, and 65 RBIs. These numbers are a clear upgrade over last season’s production from Gleyber Torres and Alex Verdugo. Torres hit .257 with 15 home runs and 63 RBIs, while Verdugo posted a .233 average with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs.
Limiting Defensive Liabilities
Defensively, Verdugo and Torres were liabilities, contributing to a team that ranked 12th in Defensive Runs Saved. By replacing them with Bellinger and Goldschmidt, the Yankees are not only upgrading their offense but also solidifying their defense, eliminating weaknesses that actively cost them games last season. Bellinger and Goldschmidt aren’t just upgrades at the plate—they bring elite defense, too. Goldschmidt, a five-time Gold Glove winner, is as reliable as they come at first base, while Bellinger, who won the award in 2019, adds much-needed range and versatility in the outfield. Power and on-base ability were clear priorities this year, and this time, the team looks well-balanced instead of overly reliant on streaky power hitters.
Yankee Fans Should Stay Optimistic, Even with Injuries
Injuries continue to plague the Yankees, and this season is no exception. Giancarlo Stanton is already dealing with pain in both elbows, forcing him out of the lineup and leaving a major hole in the offense. Without his bat, Aaron Judge loses a key layer of protection. To keep the lineup dangerous, someone—whether it’s Jazz Chisholm or another power bat—must step up and fill that void. Losing Stanton leaves a gap, but it presents an opportunity for young prospects to step up or for the team to explore late free-agent additions to shore up the offense. Either way, the Yankees will need to adjust quickly to keep their offensive firepower intact.
Fans Should Look Forward to Key Young Talent
Another exciting element of this season is the potential breakout of Austin Wells. Yankees fans optimism is especially high when it comes to his development. In 2024, Wells hit .229 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs over 115 games—not eye-popping numbers, but he showed flashes of his potential, particularly in the postseason when he delivered two clutch home runs. This spring, he’s looked much more consistent at the plate, boasting a .355 average with three home runs and a 1.122 OPS over 31 at-bats. His improved plate discipline and ability to make solid contact suggest he’s turning a corner. With Stanton sidelined, the Yankees need someone to step up, and Wells has a golden opportunity to seize a bigger role. If his development continues this trajectory, he could become a key contributor to the lineup and a major factor in the Yankees’ offensive success this season.
Looking For Redemption
Another name to watch? Will Warren. Mechanically, he reminds many of former fan favorite, Michael King. Warren could prove to be a versatile arm who could make an impact as both a starter or a reliever. He struggled in his limited big-league appearances last year, but mechanical tweaks and added maturity seem to have turned things around. He’s shown better command this spring and looks more confident on the mound. If his adjustments hold, he could play a crucial role in stabilizing the Yankees’ pitching depth or even be the fifth man in a diminished rotation.
The Yankees Have a Smarter Offensive Approach
One of the biggest criticisms of the Yankees in recent years has been their over-reliance on home runs. Yankees fans optimism comes from seeing a lineup that now balances power with speed and situational hitting. While power remains a big part of their identity, this year’s squad appears to have a better balance of contact hitters, speed, and situational awareness. A strong emphasis on making productive outs, taking extra bases, and putting pressure on opposing defenses could make this team much more difficult to shut down.
How the Yankees Stack Up in The AL East
The American League East remains one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Rays have taken a step back, and the Blue Jays come into the season with too many uncertainties. Toronto made a strong move by adding Anthony Santander, giving their lineup a boost, but there are still concerns. Bo Bichette needs to have a major bounce-back season. Additionally, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. must sustain elite production. The Red Sox will likely be the highest hurdle, especially after adding perennial all-star, Alex Bregman. Boston has a young, talented roster that is poised to make a playoff push. If the Yankees take care of business against division opponents, they’re in a prime position to secure another pennant.
The Yankees’ Championship Mindset
While recent years have been frustrating, the Yankees’ history and culture set them apart. This is an organization that expects to win. That expectation can create pressure, but it also fosters an environment where players push each other to be better. There’s a championship standard in the Bronx, and this team looks poised to live up to it.
There’s no guarantee of success in baseball. But for Yankees fans, there are more reasons to be optimistic than may be immediately obvious. A smarter, better constructed roster point toward a team capable of making a deep playoff run. If things break right, Yankees fans optimism could finally pay off with number 28 coming to the Bronx.
